Canterbury Hockey Club captain Michael Farrer targets experienced new signings to boost hopes of return to National Premier Division play-offs

Skipper Michael Farrer wants to add experience to his squad in the summer to help Canterbury Hockey Club return to the National Premier Division play-offs this time next year.

Michael Farrer

The city club finished the season fifth in the top-flight, one place but 11 points adrift of the top-four, who will contest the Championship play-offs this month.

Having reached the season finale last year in their first season after promotion, Farrer remained philosophical about the side’s performance this time around.

He said: “We were disappointed not to finish in the top-four again this season but ultimately we did finish in the top-half. That has to be an achievement in our second season back at this level and when you consider the top four teams and even some below us, have a number of full internationals for England and GB in their squads.

“It is pleasing that we have managed to finish in the top-half in both seasons since we came up and hopefully we can go on to establish ourselves and cement a top-four, or even a top-one place in the coming seasons.”

He added: “We are doing well as we are but if we could recruit a couple of quality players with a bit more experience, it would give us added strength.

“We have got a very good youth system which we rely on, but we want to be able to introduce young players into the side without pressure on them so they can establish themselves rather than having to play them and it all being down to them.

“The thing is that people want to play for the best sides or they want to be well-paid. We haven’t got pots of cash sitting around but we are a good club in a nice environment run in a very professional way with a fantastic coach. Hopefully that will appeal to players.”